Force applying mechanism



G. L. LANG FORCE APPLYING MECHANISM sept; 11, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 13. 1950 nveutor G'EEGOE L. LANG Sept. 11, 1 956 G. L. LANG 2,762,883

FORCE APPLYING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 13, 1950' e sheet'--sheet 2 nncntor GREGOE L LANG Gttomcg Sept. 11, 1956 G. L. LANG FORCE APPLYING MCHANISM 6 Sheets--Sheet' 3 Filed Nov. 13, 1950 lunmw.

'Gttorneg Sept. 11, 1956 w G, L, LANG 2,762,883

FORCE APPLYING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 13, 1950 6 Sheets'-Sheet 4 3nnentor GEEGOE L. L ANG sept. 11, 1958 G L, ANG 2,782,888

FORCE AFFLYING MCHANISM Filed Nov. 13. 1950 6 Sheets--Sheet 5 unentor GEEGO`E- L.. LANG Qttorneg Sept. 11, 1956 G. L. LANG 2,762,883

FORCE APPLYING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 13, 1950 -6 Sheets-Sheet 6 nmcntor GBEGOE L.. LANG (Ittorncg United States Patent O FORCE APPLYING ME'CHANISM Gregor L. Lang, Suflield, ConnA Application November 13, 1950, Serial No. 195,249 7 'Claims. (Cl. 200-98) This invention relates to a new and improved force applying mechanism or actuator.

An object of the invention is to provide a new and improved force applying mechanism which is capable of employment in electrical apparatus or otherwise.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a device which may be termed an overthrow control actuator which is capable of many uses including electrical and mechanical apparatus, hydraulic valves and various other apparatus.

' Another object is to provide such an actuator for control mechanisms such as valves, switches or the like, of such character as to remove the ambiguity due to two opposed mechanical forces, functioning only when one force ,is present.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved electrical apparatus embodying such device.

Another object is to provide a new and improved three position force applying or controlling mechanism.

Another object is to provide an electrical relay having three switching positions which is operable by two coils or control circuits and which has unusual stability against vibration, shock and acceleration.

Another object is to provide a new and improved holding relay.

Another object is to provide an arrangeinent for applyingunidirectional forces to an actuated member in such manner that one force only can move the actuated member at one time and the force first applied disables the mechanism of the opposite side and therefore prevails and if both forces are applied simultaneously, they are mutually disabling and no power, force or response is delivered to the actuated member.

Another object is to provide a two position relay apparatus embodying the invention set forth in the preceding paragraph and wherein the disabling efiect is obtained by the combination of a resilient member used in combination with a linkage so connected that each armature can force the actuated member to move only through the medium or linkage provided by the opposing armature or associated therewith and the act of energizing one armature causes it to exert a force upon the actuator member by way of or through the medium of the opposite armature or its linkage, and only so long as said opposite armature and linkage is in a state of freedom. Either armature 'so energized performs its function through the opposite free armature and should the opposite armature not be free, as in case of being simultaneously energized, it will no longer be free to serve as a-link for'theV first armature, instead, it will move to a new l'ocked-up or unfree position and in so doing compresses the spring, introduces freedom or lost motion into the over all system in such manner as to break the path through which the first armature would otherwise apply its force to the actuated arm.

Another object is to provide a device of the type setV forth which is relatively economical in design and manufacture and which has fewer parts than prior relays not possessing the functions of the invention and wherein normal back lash and linkage lost motion are fundametally zero.

Another object is to provide such a device which is of such positive nature that the indetermnate effects due to simultaneous or overlapping pulsing of both coils or control circuits are completely eliminated, the switching function being rendered inoperative or disabled, that is, remaining in its previous position for the duration of such double pulse and wherein the only control signal capable of causing any change is a single pulse applied to the coil opposite that last previously pulsed.

Another object is to provide such a device having the above described pulse discrimination and anti-confusion characteristics but which is optionally operable in normal current off circuits with momentary on pulses applied for actuation, or in inverted circuits in which current is normally on in both oils, and in which actuation is secured by momentary breaks, or current off pulses in one coil circuit or the other.

Another object is to provide such a device which is capable of functioning as a pulsed binary in computing and counting circuits as an alternate positioning or sequence relay.

Another object is to provide a device which may be held in a central, central off or central on position by simultaneous current and tumbling either way by interruption of either coil circuit.

Another object is to provide a relay of such Character that four control functions may be secured with a two coil relay by proper sequencing of single and simultaneous pulses.

Another object is to provide a Sensitive relay or a Sensitive holding type relay of such unusual nature that as adjustment is made to increase the sensitivity, contact pressures are made greater which is desirable.

Another object is to provide a Sensitive relay of such character that operation may be from a closed air-gap condition Where flux and forces are highest and actuation is secured `by relatively feeble pulses of current in a direction to decrease the currents by small amounts and thus secure large diminutions of flux and pulling force, that is, it might be described as a releasing relay rather than a pulling in' relay which is the usual type and is characterized by the fact that it starts its motion from an open gap position where pull is weakest and finishes its motion with a closed gap where pull is strongest but generally least needed.

Another object is to provide a relay construction wherein conventional expensive hinge members and pins are eliminated and in which moving parts are held in operable and assembled relation by functional parts and tensions.

Another object is to provide a relay in which the number of non-functional parts and fastenings is reduced and in which the assembly in working relationship is accomplished by the functional members themselves.

Another object is to provide a newand improved linkage for vrelays which allows the obtaining of the above objects and advantages.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. Itjwill be understood that changes may be made in the details of construction and arrangement of parts shown and described and the invention has been shown applied to a relay for the purpose of illustration only.

Referring to the drawings: Fig. 1 is a front view of a relay apparatus embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a rear view thereof; Figi 3 is aside view there'of',

Fig. 4 is a top view thereof;

Eig. 5 is a bottom ;view thereof;

.Eig. 6 is,a view similar .to-Fig.V l but illustrating a step in the operation-of the device;.-and

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Figs. 1 and 6 but illustrating a further step iniits operation.

i Referring more, particularly `to the drawings Wherein reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout, the device shown ernbodying the invention is a two position relay of .the twomagnet, pulse'operated type whichmightbe v'ariouslyV described `as a latching relay, mechanical hold relay, tumbler relay or an overthrow relay and-could by minor -variations be,given a thii'dl Vposition making lit-a `three position tumbler oz' holding relay.

In the relayishown embodying the invention, is illustrated one form 'of the new .and novel linkage arrange-v ment which connects the two armatures to each other and each to the'actuating arm which presses against the contact stacks and perrnits the relay to function in newlmanners'and'in new'circuits, hitherto not possible with latching or pulse'operated relays.

'In' 'addition vto the novel functional features made possible by this linkage, the execution lshown contains a number of -features of su'ch'character as to increasethe magnetic pull for a given number Vof'ampere'turns while improving' manufacturability, decreasing cost,"'and greatly simplifying assembly and adjustment procedure. While the r'elay shown performs vall of the basicfunctions of a holdingrelay, and in addition a number of' new and important functions and uses, 'yet it is-of such design as to reduce the bulk, complexity and cost below that of convention'al i holding relays.

The apparatus 'shown embodying the invention comprises an iron 'base 161 on which are-secured a pair of spaced parallel electromagnet members consisting of coils '11 and .12 on cores' 13 :and 14 respectively which are secured in position'onV 'base It) by screws 15,01: other suitablegmeans.

Securedto base .'101is`also'theiiron frame 16which extends from base 16 `between coils :11.:and 12 andlras' a portion 17 extending above coils 111and'12.

`On'opposite sides of .frame :16, and adjacent-itsupper Vend are providedthe--pair of leshapedarmatures '18 'and 19 :each of which is pivotally;mounted on .its .respective side of frame V16 by means ;offdome or -ballends .26,011 pivots VV211 which extend 'through ;frame .16 ;and which extend into jopenings' in the adjacentrside ofiarmatures 13 or attracted by said coil.oore lupon 'energization of the' coils and said armatures have their angular-offset por.- tions positioned betweenthe coils and the frame 16 .and pivotally connected Vthereto as..previously-fstated. The effect of the downward projectingportions of the armatures, cooperating with the centralstructural or magnetic membenlis to provide a magnetic Vpaththerebetween Vof umrsual'ly low leakage or r'eluctance, while .at.thersame time providing a source of additional tractive-.effort which operatively adds to the pull orrtractive 'effort' due to the more normal magnetic pull exerted in they-areav of: juxtaposition'of the horizontal portion Iof the armature and the coil core face.

Each of the armatures has amupwardly extending arm or lug. 2G and 21 inalignedrelation.with ,each other and adapted to be connected by machine screw-22=which is' tightly or permanently affixed to one of the upraised armature extension arms 20 or 21 and passes'fre'ely through the aligned clearance hole or opening in the other of said arms and has the coil spring 23 on its shank and the assembly retained in assembled relation by nut 24 which is threaded on screw 22. The compression spring 23 thus draws extensions 20 and 21 together and retains them in adjacent relation for movement of the armatures as a unit abouttheir pivots until sufiicient force is applied to overcome said spring 23. The screw 22 could consist of a stud, welded `or -riveted-'or otherwise secured to one of the arms.

Each of armatures 18 and 19 also have an integral lug 25 and 26 respectively .adjacent their-lower ends on the side opposite the upraised arms and adapted to extend through a slot 27 in actuator arm 28 which is pivotally mounted to frame 16 adjacent the upper end 17 of frame 16 by pivot 29, and which has its notched lower end ;30 in engagement with tumbler or overthrow detent-.31 which extends into a depression in the upper surface of spring member 32 which has two hook portions .partially encircling frame member 16, to accurately position said spring member in a horizontal plane, while permitting Vertical freedom whereby it presses upward against tumbler member 31. Spring member 32 is substantially L shaped, the horizontal portion being downwardly arched in such manner that its lower face bears against the frame base member 10 while the depression in `lits upper face bears upward against the aforesaid.tun1`b1er member 31. The Vertical portion of spring memberl32 extends well up along frame 16, and has threaded into its `upper portionV a` spring tension adjusting screw"33 which bears against frame member 16, and is secured to spring rnember 32 by loch-nutitl. t The' function of tension adjusting screw 33 is to force 'the Vertical portion of spring member 32 outwardly from the frame V16, and thus by a rocking motion cause the depression near the extreme end of its horizontal portion to press upward with increased spring force, against'tumbler member-"31. The Verticalextension of spring member 32-is for'improved -accessibility of adjusting screw '33 and locknut 40, when the relays are m'ounted in groups-or 'inrestricted spaces.

On frame 16 are carried the contact carrying members 34: and 35 having fcontacts adapted'to be actuatedfby insulators or-insulating buttons'36 and-'37 'on-opposite sidesV of .actuator arm V253.

In the example shown, the maintenance of the'V armatu'res 18 and 19 in firm and pivotable =engagement with thedome ended :pivots is secured by'the pressure of-the lower armature extension lugs 25 and 26,-cooperatively engaged in, and pressingoutwardly' against-theV margins of the.'elongated.s1ot 2'7 in the actuator. arm 28,.said-out- Vward pressure beingV obtained by 'the inwardpressureof the spring-machine screw assembly 'affixed='to the"two upraised extension arms which form a partlof-each armature, Isaidspring urging the upraised arrns V20 and.21.inward or towardeach other. Theleverageexerted byl the spring 23 actsA across'the' fulcrum represented V.bythe dome .pivots,'to press the lower armatureextensionlugs 25 and 26 outwardly against;thefmarginsziofithe slot.27 in-the actuator arm V28, .with'a force determinedrbythe position of thespring compression'zadjustingnut 24. stable .assembly is secured by so positioning'the `upraisejd arms. 2% and 21 that a linev connectingftheaxis of1the spring 23land.the contact pointzof. the ;lower-;extension lugs,..passes-diagonally .between the two domedrontact pins.

The armatures are operatively;connectedtogether byzthe couple represented by 'thez'mutual;engagementfifof the lower Iarmature` extension 'lugs 25 .and,.26 'in 'the-ends of slot 27, in' actuator Varm 28,-:and'thel pre-adjusted expansi-ve' force ;of springl23 .acting through maohinefscrew *22 which tends to continuouslyf-force'upraised `arm members 20. and 'Zlrtogethen p In operation, each of the electromagnets is energized in sequence, thus attractng its respective armature, and as the armatures are operati'vely interconnected as above described, both armatures will move as a unit, with the attracting of one causing simultaneous movement of both, the opposite or free armature being moved away from its associated electromagnet pole face.

Tracing the path of force application, it will be seen that the attracting of either armature by its associated electromagnet, causes the force to be applied by way of the associated upraised arm, to the pre-loaded spring 23, thence to the upraised arm of the opposite free armature, whereupon the pivoted rocking motion of the free armature causes a reversal of direction, with the force finally being applied outwardly by the lower extension lug of the free armature, against its associated end of slot 27 in actuator arm 23. The limit of force which may be transmitted through the above described circuit is established by the pre-tension or compression adjustment of spring 23, usually adjusted so as to just reliably overcome the resistance of the tumbler.

It is seen that the above described path of forces is capable of functioning only when one armature is free or unenergized. In the case of a double pulse, an overlapping pulse, or simultaneous attraction of both armatures by their respective electromagnets, the effect will be an immediate downward movement of both armatures, with the resulting further compression of spring 23 and a resulting freeing of both ends of slot 27 of the normal spring pre-load force exerted by spring 23, by way of armatures 18 and 19 and the lower lugs 25 and 26 extending therefrorn. In this case, the actuator arm 28 is freed of all spring and armature forces, and it will remain wherever last positioned by the energization of a single armature. This state of freedom, with the spring compressed, and the lower armature extension lugs disengaged from slot 27, might be described as the normal state where the relay is used in "inverted circuits or currently-normally-on circuits. In such cases, actuation is secured by the momentary interruption of the coil circuit opposite that last previously interrupted. In this case, actual operation of the actuator is eifected by the momentary release of energy previously stored in spring 23 at the time of its compression.

The relay is capable of adjustment for great sensitivity when used in the inverted, or current-normally-on class of circuitry. It is pointed out that the armatures operate from a closed state to an open state, to secure actuation. In such a case, if the spring pressure be adjusted as closely as possible to a state of equality with the holding power of the magnets, actuation can be secured with relatively feeble pulses applied to the coils in a bucking, or current decreasing direction. Under such closed gap conditions, pulses of low energy are capable of producing relatively great diminutions of flux and magnet holding power.

'Thus the device operates an actuator in a sequential manner as a result of the application of two forces only in proper sequence. It will operate the actuator only when a single force of proper sequence is applied and any simultaneous 'dual application of forces or movements causes a mutual disabling of the two sides such that neither is effective until a single force of proper sequence is applied. During such double forcing, the actuator remains undisturbed, where last positioned.

The device also possesses the novel characteristic of functioning in an inverted sense, that is, with both forces applied continuously, the linkage is held non-Operating or disabled, the actuator being undisturbed in the position last forced. The momentary removal of one only of the forces in proper sequence causes the actuator to be repositioned or shifted by the remaining force. It will there remain if the broken force be restored, and likewise if both forces be removed. In other words, both forces either off or on, leave it where last positioned by a single force. 'Ihe only condition which will change its position is the single or initial application of that force not vlast applied sngly.

The present device possesses an inherent memory or fail safe function whereby the accidental application of simultaneous pulses to both coils, or the accidental overlap of the two pulses, disengages the armatures from the actuating arm for the duration of such double pulse. This results in a complete absence of indeterminate positioning. In the case of a double pulse, the actuating arm and tumbler simply "sit in the position last pulsed and refuse to move or change position until the coil circuits are cleared, the double pulse removed, and a clean pulse applied to the coil on the new or desired side. Thus the relay can be operated or thrown only by a clean pulse applied to the coil opposite that which was last energized.

The description thus far has been confined to a device utilizing a two position tumbler, in which only two positions of actuation may be secured. The spring loaded interconnection of the two armatures makes possible the use of a tumbler of a triangular configuration. Such a triangular device has its apex positioned generally up- Ward, and notched for co-engagement with the corresponding notch at the lower end of the actuator arm 28. The base of this triangular piece is generally smaller than the height dimension, and the outer margins of the base are fitted with suitable downward projecting knife edge or dome shaped portions which engage with depressions of corresponding form in the upper face of tumbler spring member 32. This triangular tumbler possesses three positions of stability, since 'it may be tumbled right, left, or central, seating squarely on both sets of base projections.

It will be apparent that this triangular tumbler and the actuator arm may be positioned right or left by pulsing the coils singly, in proper sequence. It may be centralized, or positioned in the central position by the simultaneous pulsing of both coils.

Countless Circuit combinations may be deviscd to take advantage of the flexibility inherent to this mechanism. Contact stacks may be incorporated to make or break in the right or left positions, and to make or break in the central position. Extreme flexibility is made possible by the incorporation of further contact stacks operated by the armatures directly, in addition to those contacts operated by the actuator and tumbler. The use of shorting contacts in conjunction with slow make coils on the two electro-magnets, makes possible the use of the two position form of this relay in a binary or flip-flop circuit where consecutive pulses applied repeatedly to the two coils in parallel, will cause a continuing flip-flop, or right-left-right-left response' If desired, the L-shaped armature, dome shaped pivot and spring retention features 'may be embodied in relay executions other than those herein set forth.

The use of a triangular tumbler would permit the performance of three remote switching functions with only two coil or pulse circuits.

Having described my inventon, I claim:

1. In a device of the Character described, a pair of movable members, actuator means adapted for a plurality of positional movements, means connecting said actuator means to said movable members, each of said movable members being actuated by said actuator means upon the actuation of the other of said movable members, said connecting means connecting said actuator means and said movable members allowing ndependent operation of said movable members upon simultaneous movement of both of said movable members in opposite directions and also connecting said members for simultaneous actuation of said movable members in the same direction, said connecting means including resilient means normally retaining said members in operative engagement with said actuating means and yieldable restraining means engaging said actuator means for nor- 7 mallywholding vsaid :actxratorfmeansinvone of-l saidfplurality of positions.

;2.;In=.-a;device':-of the characterdescribed; a' paire of electromagnets, a `pair.:` of pivotally" `mountedv armatures supported-in' operationalposition relative to said electromaginets, ia pivota'lly 'mounted actuator member adapte'ifortwofposi-tional'movements by 'alternate Venergization .'ofzsalidv' electromagnets, yieldable frestr'aining meansengagingfsaid a'ctuator normally holding said actuator:memberfinreither of two positions, a resilient connectionfnorma'lly connecting said armatures and means connecting 1 fisaid'- v'actuatorfmember with -said armatures forV dependent fisimultaneous w movement in one fdirection but: allowing 'independent movement of '-said'V armatures inwoppositedirectionsfwhere'by 'fsa'idarmatures are disengaged=from :said aetu-ator member.

V3.: Infa; deuicezofftheichara'cter-describerL a pair of electromagnets,=. aA pair of-.pivotallyfmounted armatures supported'. inv operation'alposition relative to said-electromagnets, a'pivotal'lymounted `actnator member adapted for twoV positional 'movements by alternate venergization offsaid electromagnets,:yieldable restraining meansengaging.saidactuator'memberand normally holding said actuatonmemberzrin .eithervof ,two-=p'osi-t-ions, a resilient conM nectionznormally .connectingasaid armatures and means connectingwsaid actuatorfmer'nberwith said armatures for, dependent :simultaneousmouementbut allowing'- independent: movement of1:said;armatures Vwhereby said armfatilresfaredisengaged from/'said actuator` member.

AL-fin: adevice of .the :Character described,- a-pair of piYQtally mounted membersgfa-pivotallymounted actuator member adapted for two positionalflmovements, yieldable restraim'ngmeans `en'gaging'saidacltuator and normally 'hol'dingosaidf mctuatorxmember in-either of 'two positions;v a'Iesiiient:.connection/normalny; conneeting said pivotallyfmounted :members and :means leonnecting said actuator member with said pivotallymounted"members forfdependent:shnultaneous fmovementbut allowing independentzmoyementof;said 'movable members Whereby :sad mouable'. members.are=operatively disengaged front; said actuator. member. ;and `an -overthrow member connected-'to` ;said moyable'. members andV adapted to be actuated therehy.

5.z :In-'.a;;devicez of 'the .character-described, a pair of electromagnets; a'pair ofvpivotally mounted armatures supportedfin operational'position"relative to 'said electromagnets; apivotallymon'nted actuator member adapted'sforatwo position'al' movements' by Zalternate energization of =said-=elect1iomagnets,j'yieldable restraining means engaging ;said actuator norma'lly holding. said actuator member in either of two positions,ia resilient.connection normallyjconnectingsaid armatures and means connect-V ing said actuator'member withsaidV armatnres-for dependent simultaneous movementinone direction'but :allowingrindependent movementpf said armatures in opindependentmovement-of said armatures inoppositedirections Whereby said armatures are disengaged Vfrom saidactuator memberand an overthrow member connected 'to said armatures and adapted lto be actuated thereby' and'contacts adapted to be actuated by said overthrow member.

7.'.In-a ldevice-ofthe Character described, arpair' of electromagnets, a'pairofpivotally mounted armatures supported inoperationalposition relative to said electromagnets, a pivotallyimounted actuator member-adapted for;twopositional'movements by alternate energization of said electromagnets, -yieldable restraining means-engaging said actuatorfmember and -normally holding said actuator -member iii-'either of Vtwo positions, a resil'ient connection normally vconnecting' said armatnres and means -connectingrsaid actuator member With said armatures for-dependent'-simultaneous movement'but allowing'v independent fmovement of said'armatures 1a'hereby said yarmatures-are disengaged from said actuator'memher andan 0verthrow-' member lconnected to said annatures and adapted to -be actuated thereby.

.':ReferencesCited'in the file of this patent UNITED STATES vPATENTS 276,087 `Srnithers ;Apr. 17, 1883 329,808 :Bruns Nov.V 3, `v1385 504,523 `vGartside `et al. Sept. 5, -1893 605,798 Renrew June 14, 1898 706,575 .Lunt Aug. y12, :1902

748,450 .Wolf .et al. z Dec. 29,V 19,03 .1,.169,l74 McLauthlin et al. Jan. 25.19.16 l, 3.80,486 w Langley June 7, 1,921 .1,4227, 625 VSchwartz July 1l, ;l922 .IA-28,532 Chapman Sept.z12,n.1,9.22 ,1,4816386 VLaing Mar. 11, '1924 1,52,2,.766 tl/Vilms, Jan., 13, '1.925 1,841:,49.6 Milne Jan. -19,.:1932 .l,867}099 .Roe July 12, ;1,932 2,186,67,0 VFereday Jan. 9,.,1940 2,446,299 -Nelsen Aug. 3,1948 

